SERIOUS questions have been raised in the past and years later are still hanging in the air about the new sports centre to replace the one in Goshen that was burnt down. Firstly, how much is the centre costing, and who is paying for it and how much?

A Bury Times article (December 3) reported that the building was costing £2.065m. The same article said that the Gymnastics Club was trying to raise £65,000 and that Sport England were involved at some level of expenditure. The Bury East LAP was told at its last meeting that the cost was nearer £1.5m. Which is it? Surely, someone has precise figures and if that kind of money is being spent and raised for a Bury facility, we should be given those exact figures. Further, if Sport England are involved in funding it, were they informed that the “the wish of the Bury East Local Area Partnership was that Goshen Sports Centre should be developed as a multi-sports centre”?

I have been told by a parent that the number of children involved is about 40. £1.5m or £2m or is a lot of money for 40 children.

We are told that the new building will be self managed by the Gymnastics Club. This means Bury Metro doesn’t have to pay a manager, an important consideration but what does it mean for the future? Will the building be owned by the Gymnastics Club? The new facility would be a vast building and could generate a lot of money.

If the centre takes off then what is going to happen to the cycle speedway? It is a real concern that cycle speedway may be squeezed out. Cycle speedway is a feather in Bury’s cap. Cycle speedway host international events with teams coming from all over Europe and even from the US. This May, speedway are hosting the European Championship with teams from all over Europe competing. Parking space is limited but presently adequate. Will this be the case if the Gymnastics Club take over?

The Gymnastics Club have had almost exclusive use of the facility for 15 years and have produced an Olympic medal, that I know of.

We are not against gymnastics but we are for sports that need interior space. There are many of them, some of them Bury athletes who have won Olympic medals.

Bill Brison Chairman, Goshen Tenants and Residents Association Scott Avenue Bury